Home Owner’s Guide to Monthly Home Care
If you have recently purchased your first home, or maybe you have owned your home for some time now, but don’t really know where to start; this Guide is for you.
If you are currently renting, most of these home tips may also apply to you. Make sure to check with your landlord for verification of which home care items you are responsible for.
You
can keep your home in top shape with simple tasks throughout the year.
Follow these easy Monthly Home Care tips to better care for your home.
This month, be sure to:
January:
- Check attic for birds, squirrels, raccoons, etc.
- Pour 1 gallon of water down unused drains.
- Clean frost-free refrigerator drain pan.
- Inspect dishwasher for leaks.
- Check operation of water and sump pump.
- Have air ducts cleaned.
- Service kitchen disposal by grinding several cups of ice cubes.
February:
- Clean clothes dryer vent duct (#2 cause of house fires)
- Test smoke detectors.
- Know the location of all gas shut-off valves.
- Examine thermostat. Clean heat sensor, contact points, and contacts; check accuracy and replace if necessary.
- Clean coils in rear of refrigerator unit.
- Replace or clean furnace filters.
- Check fire extinguishers. Refill or replace as needed.
March:
- Tune up lawn mower.
- Maintain exterior foundation grading/slope to ensure water moves away from home.
- Inspect roof surface flashing, eaves, and soffits; repair if necessary.
- Drain approximately 2 gallons from water heater to eliminate sediment.
- Examine, repair and replace caulk and grout around tub and shower.
- Service kitchen disposal by grinding several cups of ice cubes.
- Check window and door screens; replace or patch if needed.
- Vacuum bathroom vent covers.
April:
- Asphalt driveways should be resealed when water begins to soak into the surface.
- Clean debris from gutters and ensure down spouts are free of obstruction.
- Drain approximately 2 gallons from water heater to eliminate sediment.
- Check basement for dampness/leaks following the next rainstorm.
- Check antenna and satellite dish supports for possible leaks.
- Test smoke detectors.
- Replace or clean furnace filters.
May:
- Check all decks, patios, porches, stairs and railings for loose members and deterioration.
- Check plumbing shut-off valves. Ensure that they turn off and on freely.
- Service kitchen disposal by grinding several cups of ice cubes.
- Check vents, louvers and chimneys for bird nests and squirrels.
- Check lawn sprinkler system for leaky valves and exposed lines.
- Inspect exterior siding for mildew. Scrub off as necessary.
- Check septic system drain field for flooding.
June:
- Check foundation walls, floors, concrete and masonry for cracking, heaving or deterioration.
- Check all wood surface for weathering and paint failure.
- Trim back all tree limbs and vegetation away from roof.
- Check for leaks under sinks and around toilets.
- Replace or clean furnace filter.
- Test smoke detectors.
- Clean and lubricate garage door tracks.
July:
- Trim shrubbery around walls, trim tree limbs away from roof. Remove tree limbs, branches, or debris as needed. Each can attract insects.
- Check siding for damage, warping, or rot. Check painting surfaces for damage or flaking.
- Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Check for damage, loose, or missing shingles.
- Check chimneys for deteriorating bricks and mortar.
- Check window and door screens, replace or patch if needed.
- Check driveway, walkway, and patios for cracks or deterioration and reseal or repair.
August:
- Test Smoke Detectors.
- Drain approximately 2 gallons from water heater to eliminate sediment.
- Clean dryer vent duct.
- Vacuum bathroom vent covers.
- Replace or clean furnace filter, clean out basement window wells.
- Clean coils in rear of refrigerator unit.
- Clean around air conditioning compressor.
September:
- Clean gaps between deck boards, especially above joists.
- Check caulking and weather strips around doors and windows.
- Trim or remove plantings around foundation. Leave a minimum of 1 foot of clear space between plantings and foundation.
- Scrub mildewed areas of house and other structure’s siding.
- Service kitchen disposal by grinding several cups of ice cubes. Examine, repair and replace caulk and grout around tub and shower.
- Clean fire extinguisher, refill or replace as needed.
October:
- Replace or clean furnace filter. Clean filters for kitchen exhaust fans.
- Drain outside faucets and winterize sprinkler system.
- Check driveway for cracks. Fill cracks and reseal as needed.
- Test smoke detectors.
- Check septic system drain field for flooding. Drain approximately 2 gallons from water heater to eliminate sediment.
- Pass a lit candle around doors and windows to check for drafts. Weather strip as necessary.
- Examine chimney. Clean flue; repair.
November:
- Service kitchen disposal by grinding several cups of ice cubes.
- Inspect and clean storm window weep holes.
- Pour 1 gallon of water down unused drains.
- Clean debris from gutters and ensure down spouts are free of obstruction.
- Check for leaks under sinks and toilets.
- Check for cracks in foundation, brick or stucco.
- Review emergency procedures and practice fire drill.
- Examine chimney. Clean flue; repair any cracks in flue or any loose or crumbling mortar.
December:
- Test smoke detectors.
- Replace or clean furnace filter.
- Service heating system.
- Clean faucet aerators and shower heads.
- Reseal grout on counters, walls and floors to prevent staining.
- Drain approximately 2 gallons from water heater to eliminate sediment.
- Test Ground Fault Circuit Interrupt (GFCI) receptacles and GFCI circuit breakers.
Do you have questions or comments? Please let me know!